But Bristol City announced in December that they had submitted formal planning permission for the development project next door to their current home.

The club are to develop their facilities by building three training pitches, a pavilion and a 500-seater stadium to host the Robins' Under-23 matches in Failand.

The main building on the site will include a gym, changing rooms, medical and rehabilitation facilities and office space.

Plans for Bristol City's new training ground

However, Long Ashton and Wraxall and Failand Parish Council claimed Bristol City’s proposals would have a ‘significant impact on the openness of the greenbelt, and couldn’t support the ‘over development’ of the area.

The online application has also met opposition with 288 objections coming in - mainly from Long Ashton golf club, which is located on Clevedon Road, next to the proposed developments.

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Mr Steven Lane said : “While I can understand some of the concerns, the majority seem to be ill informed, incorrect or simply selfish.

“Not only will it provide a short term spike of employment, it will provide enduring employment and demonstrates Bristol as a growth economy.

“The football club's success on the pitch this season has drawn worldwide accolade and continuing success, underpinned by this fantastic facility, will ensure ongoing economic benefits for the whole city, not just the football club.”

A pitchside view of the new training ground

Mr Ian Silverthorne said: “Good for the local community. Local sport. It helps younger children develop. Look at the bigger picture it helps Bristol City but also everyone else.

Mr Daniel Morgan said: “Why prevent the growth of youth sports? Fantastic opportunity to develop the footballing area, growth of the club and city, bring more money to the area and develop more jobs.”

Mr Nathan Jones said: “ If this development is prevented it's a sad case of not willing to progress as a community.

“This city all over will be aided by this, better training facilities makes the football club more attractive and in turn attracts better players.

Plans for Bristol City's new training ground

“Better players will lead to promotion to the premier league which will increase local revenue including more increased media coverage at training facilities which may lead to increased exposure for the golf club.”

Mr Andy Cook: This project needs to go ahead for the greater good of the area. We really need to step up and support our local sports clubs. The way all our sports clubs are treated when trying to get planning for anything is beyond a joke. This is vital facility to make the next step in making the club a premier league team. This will bring vast benefits to Bristol and the surrounding areas.

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Lord Roger Tully: This training facility is just what Bristol City FC need to help them achieve Premiership status in the future and make the whole of the City of Bristol proud. Could you imagine Liverpool or Manchester councils turning plans down to make their teams better So come on Bristol council do the right thing and pass these new state of the art facilities.

Mr Mark Jones: I think this is a fantastic proposal for planing. The plans are really well presented to limit the environmental impact on what is already there. The proposal should be exactly the type of building and development that should sail through planning. Will also benefit jobs and bring Bristol City's facilities in to the 21st century. Can't see any reason why this wouldn't get the go ahead.

Mr Simon Isaacs: This development will have a huge positive impact for young children's lives. They will have the best facilities in Bristol to train. The objectors are just self centered golfers who only want to look after themselves and don't care about anyone else. Look at the overwhelming positives not a few moaners.